The energy in the room was electric. Laughter and animated conversation filled the venue as attendees mingled with some of Australia’s leading architects, interior designers, builders and suppliers.
Crafting the night's atmosphere
The venue thrummed with anticipation as Melbourne’s design-conscious homeowners and industry leaders gathered for an evening of meaningful connection and creative exchange.
Exhibitors, from interior designers and material specialists to architectural product suppliers, didn’t just showcase products.
They sparked ideas, prompting attendees to explore how craftsmanship and considered design choices could elevate their own homes.
The experience was immersive and hands-on, reinforcing what ArchiPro is all about. Bringing the right people and products together to shape extraordinary projects.
Beyond the exhibitor showcases, the night was an opportunity to connect face-to-face with the professionals shaping Australia’s design landscape.
The excitement was palpable. This was a room of people passionate about building better homes.
How professionals elevate every stage of a build
As the panel took the stage, a collective hush fell over the audience. Everyone was here to learn. How do you ensure your dream home doesn’t turn into a costly headache?
Moderated by Peter Maddison, the panel featured Josh FitzGerald, Founding Director of Archier; Imogene Pond, Lead Interior Designer at Cera Stribley and Chels & Sam Barlow, Directors of BARLOW Building.
Together, they unpacked a central truth... Paying for design pays dividends.
“We’re trained to think three-dimensionally,” said Imogene, highlighting how professionals bring a depth of spatial understanding that many homeowners simply don’t have, because why would they? “Most people build a home once or twice in their lifetime. We do it every day.”
Sam Barlow brought the builder’s perspective, stressing the importance of foresight and collaboration. “We’re always 10 to 20 steps ahead. Small decisions in design impact everything down the line... cost, materials, timing.”
Rethinking cost through smarter design choices
A recurring theme of the night was reframing how we think about cost. It’s not about spending more, but about spending better.
Josh FitzGerald pointed out the inefficiency of the traditional design process. “Waiting until tender to find out the price is the worst way to build.” By involving builders and key consultants early, projects stay on track, both financially and creatively.
Chels Barlow emphasised how early collaboration prevents costly surprises, sharing stories where involving builders too late led to budget blowouts and compromised design outcomes. “The earlier we all become a team, the better the end result.”
Shortcuts that hurt and touchpoints that matter
The panel didn’t shy away from calling out common homeowner mistakes. Skimping on detailed drawings and relying on builders to “figure it out on site”, cutting landscaping from the budget, choosing cheap trades that disrupt workflows and timelines and overlooking lighting design... Leaving crucial spatial experiences to chance.
Imogene framed it perfectly. “It’s the accumulation of small decisions that make a home feel right. It’s not a cosmetic layer added at the end. It’s built in from the start.”
On the flip side, they also shared where it’s smart to economise. Simplifying material extents, opting for robust but humble finishes and most importantly, building smaller.
“Australia builds the biggest homes in the world. Scaling back on unnecessary rooms can save 20-30% of your budget”, said Peter Maddison.
Watch the Full Panel Discussion
For those who couldn’t join us or for anyone wanting to revisit the insights watch the full panel interview here.
Home Design Evening Melbourne wasn’t just an event, it was a timely reminder. The right team doesn’t cost you more. It saves you from costly mistakes and elevates the entire experience of building your home.
